12 Top-Rated Tool Boxes, Ranked By Reviews
Every homeowner needs a tool box. It gives you a place to store and organize all the tools you need when you own a home. Tools accumulate from making repairs, assembling furniture, and other home maintenance tasks. To help you find the right tool box, we've rounded up some of the top-rated tool boxes available today. Ranging from small cases to large rolling chests, there's an option on this list for almost everyone.
We've ranked the tool boxes based on Amazon reviews, taking both the number of reviews and the average rating in mind (for example, a tool box with 10,000 reviews and 4.5-star average might rank higher on the list than a 4.7-star tool box with 1,000 reviews — more reviews tend to be more reliable). At a minimum, the products on our list have at least 1,000 reviews and an average rating of at least four stars. Keep in mind that although we've ranked these tool boxes, it doesn't mean the first on the list will be right for you. These are all dependable products, and you should choose according to your needs rather than a small difference in rating.
To ensure reliability, we only chose products made by reputable brands. We also read each product's reviews to evaluate their strengths. To suit a variety of needs, we chose a versatile range of products, including small cases, travel-friendly backpacks, and rolling chests. Each example has useful organization features and is made from durable materials. Whether you're buying a tool box for a garage, a workshop, or a worksite, one of these top-rated boxes is the key to keeping your tools organized.
Crescent 14 Tradesman Closed Top Tool Bag
Compact and with a grab-and-go design, the Crescent 14" Tradesman Closed Top Tool Bag is a great choice if you often find yourself carrying tools around the house or if you need a daily tool box to bring to work. This tool box measures 14 inches long by 9.2 inches wide by 14.5 inches tall and has a padded shoulder strap and bar handle. It is a closed bag with several zippers to secure it fully and keep tools protected. Three exterior pockets and 29 interior pockets give you plenty of space to organize your items. A water bottle holder and tape measure clip add even more convenience, particularly if you're bringing this bag onto a job site.
The boxy shape of this bag serves a purpose. It has a hard polypropylene base which is water-resistant and further protects tools from getting banged up if you drop the bag. It also serves as a stable base when you open the bag. The rest of the bag is made out of 1680D polyester with metal hardware for durability. An orange interior lining helps tools stand out, so you can spot and grab what you need quickly. Not sure what to do with your old tool box now that you've made the switch to one of these top-rated options? Here are a few ways to repurpose an old tool box.
Big Red TB101 Torin Steel Tool Box
Large and bright, the Big Red TB101 Torin Steel Tool Box is just as charming as it is useful. It's a tool box that looks like it came from the past, with its old-fashioned shape and metal construction. If you like the classic utility of a metal tool box, this is the one to choose. Its hip roof style gives it a distinctive look. Made completely of heavy-duty steel with a corrosion-resistant powder coat finish, it has a sturdy metal latch to match. It also has a small plastic carrying handle (it may not be as comfortable as some of the other picks on this list, so you might prefer another tool box if you plan to move it around a lot).
This tool box measures around 19 inches long by 6 inches deep and 6.5 inches tall. It comes with a removable storage tray inside, so you can separate items. This is another highly-rated, budget-friendly tool box, and plenty of reviewers like that it has a practical and aesthetically-pleasing design.
Craftsman 20-inch Plastic Tool Box
The Craftsman 20-inch Plastic Tool Box is another basic but slightly upgraded tool box. It's pretty typical in size and shape: it's a rectangular box with a small handle and measures 20 inches long by 9.8 inches deep by 9.7 inches tall. It's made of sturdy plastic, which is to be expected of one of the top tool box brands. However, it opts for metal latches instead of plastic, so they'll never become brittle and crack. A padlock eye provides extra security so you can lock up your tools.
Like many similar tool boxes, this one has a removable top tray that you can use to organize small items. Unlike some other tool boxes, this one also has two organizers on top of the lid: just open the small lid, and the organizers are also divided so you can store tinier parts. Happy reviewers love that these simple but useful features come at a very reasonable price.
Akro-Mils 09514 ProBox
Affordable and compact, the Akro-Mils 09514 ProBox is an excellent tool box for those with tight budgets or tight spaces. Measuring about 14 inches long by 8 inches deep and 8 inches tall, it's on the small side. It's also one of the cheapest on this list, but it's highly rated because it's well-built. Made of heavy-duty plastic, it also features rounded corners for safety (which means no sharp edges can jab you). A metal latch keeps the box closed and its contents secure.
This tool box includes a lift-out top tray, perfect for keeping items organized. It also has a small carrying handle for transporting tools. Akro-Mils recommends this tool box for a range of uses, from storing tools and hobby items to using it as a tackle box or first-aid kit. Its simple design makes it a very versatile pick. The latch has a padlock eye too, so it's possible to lock this box if you want to protect its contents.
GEARWRENCH 3 Drawer Tool Box
While there are plenty of ways to DIY extra garage or workshop storage, sometimes you just need a good tool box to sit on your work bench. The GEARWRENCH 3 Drawer Tool Box is an excellent addition to a workshop table. This tool box is made of steel and has a smart look; it's sleeker than chunky plastic tool boxes, so it's perfect for keeping on display. It's practical too with three drawers set on smooth ball bearing slides. The entire unit measures 20 inches wide by 8.5 inches deep by 12 inches tall. Each shelf has two inches of height, great for storing smaller tools, and the top section is 2.5 inches in height to store slightly larger items.
Though made of metal, this tool box is corrosion- and rust-resistant. It has a black powder coating that is protective and easy to wipe clean, so it can always look nice too. Just keep in mind that the box isn't weather sealed, so this isn't the best pick for damp conditions. It does have a security feature, though. Don't want anyone getting into your tool box? This one has a keyed center lock to keep people out.
DeWalt Tool Tote with Removable Power Tool Case
If power tools are an important part of your gear kit, the DeWalt Tool Tote with Removable Power Tool Case might be your ideal tool box. This case has two parts. It has a top section that is made for storing power tools and a standard bottom box for holding your hammers, pliers, and other small items.
The power tool case is detachable, so you can remove it to go through your power tools and accessories. A front button makes it easy to detach and reattach, and front rust-resistant metal latches ensure your expensive tools are safe. With the pieces together, this tool box measures 26.3 inches wide by 13.65 inches deep by 11.05 inches tall. This model is another option that has an extra long carrying handle to make it easier to maneuver around. The handle is also made of metal, so it can withstand the weight of heavy power tools. Need even more storage space? Here are some ways to build DIY hanging power tool storage for your workshop.
Torin APD2016AB Rolling Tool Box
While it's possible to DIY a rolling tool chest, this one is a great professional option. The Torin APD2016AB Rolling Tool Box is made for car mechanics, but it might just be the perfect tool box for your workshop. It's essentially a tool chest that's mounted on a wheeled frame. It has a cushioned top so you can sit on it, move around, and always have your tools inside. If you do a lot of tinkering while seated and want your tools within close reach, this is an excellent pick. 360-degree swivel caster wheels make it possible to move any which way while you work. Even if you don't need to wheel around, this chest is great if you have a small workshop or garage and want a large toolbox that also doubles as a spot to sit.
In total, this rolling chest measures 15.75 inches long by 14.57 inches wide by 14.45 inches tall. It's made of heavy-duty steel, so it will hold up for the long run. In terms of storage space, you can place tools in the three pull-out drawers. Larger essential items can go in the side storage slots.
Milwaukee Packout Rolling Tool Box
If you have a large tool collection, you'll need a big storage case. Try the Milwaukee Packout Rolling Tool Box, which is both extremely spacious and very easy to move around. It's essentially a giant tool storage box on wheels. It's modular too, so you can customize it to your liking. This piece functions as a base option for a Packout system, with a simple tool box on top of a rolling caddy.
The base has all-terrain wheels and an industrial-grade extension handle. The tool box is made of impact-resistant polymers and with reinforced metal corners. An IP65-rated weather seal keeps water and debris out. In short, this rolling toolbox is built to withstand a job site environment, so it's more than durable enough for home use. On its own, this toolbox has plenty of space. However, if you want to add more boxes, it's easy to connect with other Packout accessories due to its integrated locking cleats. It's possible to find other Milwaukee Packout bits and pieces on Amazon, or you can bundle a few pieces from The Home Depot. Not sure what you need? Browse all the elements and accessories on the Milwaukee website. Also check out our review of the Milwaukee rolling Packout tool boxes.
Klein Tools 55482 Tool Bag Backpack
If you find yourself frequently carrying your tools long distances, you might want to invest in a tool backpack. It will distribute the weight of your tool kit more evenly across your back, saving yourself from some aches and pains. The Klein Tools 55482 Tool Bag Backpack is designed with contractors in mind. It's made of a sturdy woven material that is also water-resistant, to keep your tools protected as you travel to the workshop or site. Padded shoulder straps help with comfort.
This roomy bag has a total of 21 pockets inside to keep items organized. The interior of the bag is a bright orange as well, which makes it easier for you to differentiate between tools. Unlike most backpacks that open along the top, this bag's front panel fully opens up, so you can see all the contents inside. This design makes for easy tool access — no more rummaging. A small elastic loop on the top of the bag is an easy-to-miss but useful detail: it's sized to hold a work light (not included) or small flashlight so you can illuminate the backpack hands-free. In total, this tool bag measures 17.25 inches long by 8.5 inches deep by 13.5 inches tall.
DeWalt One Touch Tool Box
Sometimes a simple tool box is really all you need. In that case, reach for the affordable and sturdy DeWalt One Touch Tool Box. It has a classic rectangular design with a front latch and a short carrying handle. If a protective storage case is all you want for your tools, this one is perfect for sliding onto a work table or basement shelf. It measures 23.8 inches long by 11.3 inches wide by 11.3 inches tall, and like many other DeWalt tool boxes, it's made of heavy-duty plastic. The opening also has an integrated water seal, which protects your tools from water and dust getting inside the closed box.
DeWalt has made both the simple latch and handle comfortable to use. It's easy to operate the latch with one hand, so you can still reach your tools when your other hand is full. The handle has a soft grip, so it's a bit more comfortable to carry. However, if you have to move your tool box around a lot, you might want to consider the DeWalt TSTAK Deep Tool Box with its long carrying handle or the Workpro 16-inch Wide Mouth Tool Bag with its shoulder strap.
Workpro 16-inch Wide Mouth Tool Bag
A sturdy, hard-sided tool box is great for storage, but sometimes you need the flexibility of a tool bag for portability. The Workpro 16-inch Wide Mouth Tool Bag combines the best design elements of both. It has a rigid plastic base that's also waterproof, so if there's some water on the ground, your tools won't get wet. However, the entire bag is made from 600D polyester fabric, which is very durable. The double fabric layers and solid stitching add to its sturdiness.
This is the type of bag that you can put down in a damp work site, toss into the back of a van, or squeeze onto a basement shelf. It has a zippered opening, so there's no chance of a latch accidentally popping open. It also has two carry handles, one for hand carrying, and one padded strap to sling over your shoulder when you need to haul this tool bag around. An array of interior and exterior pockets help you keep your tools organized, which is a must since this bag is fairly roomy, measuring 16 inches long, 9 inches deep, and 10 inches tall.
DeWalt TSTAK Deep Tool Box
It's no surprise that DeWalt, one of the leading manufacturers of tools, also makes one of the best tool boxes. Spacious and with a heavy-duty build, the DeWalt TSTAK Deep Tool Box will suit pretty much anyone who needs roomy but simple storage. Measuring 17.25 inches long by 12.63 inches wide by 13.25 inches tall, it can accommodate a range of screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, and even some electric tools.
Suitable for home and work use, this tool box is made of heavy-duty plastic, so it will never rust. It also has a top lid organizer that helps you arrange your drill bits, screws, nails, and other small pieces. Heavy-duty latches keep your tools secure. One noticeable feature on this toolbox is its long handle, which makes it more comfortable to carry compared to traditional short handles. As part of DeWalt's TSTAK line, this tool box is compatible with other accessories from the same collection, many of which are also highly-rated for their great build quality. For example, if you want a flatter tool box, the DeWalt TSTAK II Tool Box is an excellent alternative that also has rave reviews.